Id like to add a little here from a newbie perspective....
Im a relatively new instructor with about 115hrs instructional time, 600TT - just about to become unrestricted.
Personally I welcome flight tests - indeed for my renewal in a couple of years time I have already decided to do both the flight test AND the seminar - even though I will be able to renew on experience. Why? Because I relish every flight test I do - maybe, just maybe I can walk away with just one iota of information that I didnt have before, perhaps another view of a technique I didnt have before, also its one of the few chances you get to speak to FIEs really - I mean yeah we talk about technique amongst ourselves as instructors but it really is important to be able to access that examiner and hear their take on things (I also enjoy canvassing FE to see their take on things...very useful).
The guys who concern me are the ones who have been in the business for years and perhaps think they have seen it all - maybe they have - but I dont think you ever stop learning - and an oppurtunity to reaffirm your skills/lnowledge should not be sniffed at. Surely we should be aiming at continued self-improvement?
This aviation lark is a serious thing. I dont care if you fly for fun, pleasure or whatever - but when you get into an aircraft lives are at stake. As an instructor you want to make sure that you wont kill yourself, other wont kill you and more importantly that someone you teach wont kill themselves/others. Therefore surely the test of ability regardless of experience should be welcomed?
Also, I see no problem in checking BOTH my own personal skills to ensure safe/recoverable flight given emergency situations as well as my teaching ability/techniques.
As I say - Roll on my IRI, & roll on those flight tests...I look forward to picking up some useful tips. I know I did at my initial.
Regards,
FF